05/29/2026
Flashback Friday Time!
The story of 123 Whitfield Avenue (now Venerable John Merlini Catholic School) is such a fascinating look at how Humber Summit grew.
Back in the late 1940s, local kids had to walk over a mile to school in all weather conditions (All those stories your parents tell you about how they got to school were accurate!). Parents actually went on strike and petitioned for a closer school, leading to a tiny two-room “Insul-brick” schoolhouse built in 1949.
By 1951, a bigger 5-classroom brick school opened. Fun fact: it was built over an old market garden, and wild asparagus used to grow right in the schoolyard for years!
From strict 1950s discipline (and reflections on how times have changed) to old-school “Play Days” and bookmobile visits, this property has seen generations of local kids grow up.
It transitioned fully to the Catholic board in the 80s, but that proud tradition of neighbourhood learning is still going strong.
Shoutout to local author Bonnie (Sinclair) Martin, whose book I Remember – Growing up in Humber Summit keeps these incredible memories alive!
Read the full article- link in bio!
